Why Josh Giddey will thrive with the Chicago Bulls

When it comes to NBA trades, you have to give to get, and the Chicago Bulls may have just pulled off a deal with an interesting upside. Thursday afternoon, it was reported that Chicago had acquired Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey in exchange for Alex Caruso.

While the Bulls may not be happy to part with Caruso, a two-time all defensive guard, they most certainly should be optimistic about what Giddey’s playmaking and scoring ability can bring to the table.

Across a career-high 80 games last season, Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting roughly 48% from the field. The 21-year old played 25.4 minutes per game this past year, and it would be fair to assume that this number will increase once he joins the Bulls.

Josh Giddey will be given room to grow with the Bulls

Giddey was a solid piece of OKC’s attack, but did not start every playoff game. The Thunder evolved along with high-octane players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgrem, and MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Essentially, the Thunder needed pieces that complemented these players in a more unique fashion. Carson Wallace and Luguentz Dort played more minutes per game during the Postseason due to their defense and three-point shooting respectively. Giddey, who is eligible to negotiate a rookie-scale extension, is a good all round player, but is still working on becoming more consistent overall.

Giddey has 11 career triple-doubles, fourth most by a player age 21 or younger, trailing only Luka Doncic, Magic Johnson and Ben Simmons, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Early in his career, the 21-year old has been a legitimate facilitator who still has more to give on both ends.

Regardless of what the Bulls choose to do with Demar Derozan or Zach LaVine long-term, Giddey will be given space to play his brand of basketball while developing specific parts of his game that will help him form a true identity as a veteran in the NBA.

This is a unique opportunity for both Giddey and the Bulls. A young player will be allowed to evolve while a struggling franchise attempts to either retool or rebuild.